just add awesome

I have often thought about where I would donate some of my money if I ever won the lottery. I have thought about making small contributions to the institutions (specifically their Recreation Departments) that formed who I am today as it would be great to give back to programs that gave me so much….

Dealing with loss is not easy. Helping others deal with loss can be even harder. I am not trained to counsel grieving individuals or groups, but what I have learned is that I can still be there. When tragedy strikes, it is usually unexpected. Our students are often away from their families, their main support…

“No rain, no flowers”- The weather After four gorgeous days of sunshine, it is harder to remember why this resonated so deeply with me. The last few weeks have been a down pouring of literal and figurative rain. Factors such as the end of the school year rapidly approaching, moving this month, teaching many Red…

We were honored to feature Marc Falkenstein today in our first ever Google Broadcast! Check out the video to hear about his experiences with difficult conversations. Marc dives into the most difficult workplace conversations he has had, as well as tips and tricks. Click Here for full video discussion!

As we gear up for our featured speaker next week; I will be discussing the foundations of preparing for difficult conversations in the work place. Marc Falkenstein will be featured on May 4th, discussing having difficult conversations, the do’s/don’ts and imparting years of wisdom. What is the most basic foundation of facilitating a difficult conversation?…

When it rains it pours, right? While participating in a leadership cohort this week, there were several opportunities to coach/be coached which involved a lot of on the spot self-reflection and vulnerability. I am almost always of the flip-side of these conversations. It was an opportunity to examine the following: What am I doing well? What can…

(a Matt Bors Comic Strip) We often hear the negative stereotypes that go along with Millennials. They are attached to their phones, not loyal, entitled, selfish, and the list goes on. However, if we are constantly making a point to address only the things we see as negatives in the workplace, how are we working…

I, Caitlin Sommers, turn 31 on Saturday! And, I feel great about it. I have always felt that you are only as old as you feel, and to quote one of my favorite songs from my childhood “Age is just a number, don’t you stop having fun.” – New Kids on the Block Happy Birthday….

After moving every 2-3 years during my adult life, I have quite a few workplace experiences that have shaped the why I build relationships with my staff and coworkers alike. I have written with 8 Steps To Build Strong Workplace Relationships with these disclaimers in mind: Not all coworkers want to be friends. This is perfectly fine! This…

You may have heard the quote “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” And although that is true, you have multiple opportunities to change that impression. Occasionally our first impressions of employees, students, and other groups are negative based on the thoughts, experiences, and facts shared by others around us. It…

“A lot of people “know” what they need to do to make their organization more successful… but it is a precious few that possess the discipline to take those great ideas… and turn them into positive action on a daily basis.” – John Spence It seems as though many people I encounter within the realm…

Recently, I have had discussions with old students of mine about Self Awareness and how that falls into responsibilities in the workplace. It is one thing for someone to tell you you are doing something wrong that you were not aware was wrong, it is a completely different thing to view your actions from an…